Notre Dame Football: 5 biggest storylines following spring 2018

1. How will the defense perform under Clark Lea?

Many Notre Dame fans were surprised and disappointed to see former defensive coordinator Mike Elko depart to Texas A&M shortly after the team’s Citrus Bowl victory. There was also a sense of nervousness as the Irish had seen a defensive revival of sorts under Elko in his first year with the team.

While that sense of nervousness was certainly warranted, it seems as if the Irish made the right call by going with an inside hire. The hiring of Clark Lea, formerly the team’s linebackers coach, ensured that the foundational essence of Elko’s defense would remain the same. In short, the gameplan for the Irish defense should closely resemble that of last year’s.

Despite keeping the core concepts of Elko’s defense intact, Lea has been open to position switches across the board. One of the more significant changes has been former rover Drue Tranquill’s move to inside linebacker. Additionally, sophomore Isaiah Robertson has made the switch from safety to linebacker alongside Genmark-Heath, who will put in work at both positions.

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There are a few other minor changes as well, but the key is that Lea is making changes in the right places. Instead of implementing a completely new defense, the defensive coaching staff is instead stressing positional diversity. The Irish defense will have its fair share of tests this season, but don’t expect a significant decline in play from a defense that will remain basically the same.